A Turkish charity owner, Sadettin Karagoz, has been arrested following a BBC investigation into allegations of sexual abuse. Accusations claim that Mr. Karagoz exploited vulnerable women, offering aid in exchange for sexual favors. Mr. Karagoz denies all allegations against him. His arrest came after two additional women reported him to authorities following the BBC's reporting. He is currently awaiting trial.
Background of the Charity and Accusations
Sadettin Karagoz established a charity in Ankara, Turkey, in 2014. The organization, initially known as the Hope Charity Store and later renamed My Home-meal Association in March of this year, gathered donations such as food, nappies, and clothes for refugees. Mr. Karagoz, a retired bank worker, states his charity has assisted over 37,000 individuals over the past decade, gaining recognition and awards, and being featured on national television.
Accounts of Alleged Abuse
Three women, whose names have been changed for anonymity, shared their accounts with the BBC:
- Madina: Fled the Syrian civil war in 2016. In 2018, while seeking aid for her critically ill child after her husband abandoned her, Madina alleges Mr. Karagoz told her to go with him behind a curtain in the office for supplies. She claims he grabbed her and attempted to kiss her. Madina states she yelled and escaped the building. She further alleges Mr. Karagoz later came to her home, and she did not open the door due to fear, stating he threatened to deport her to Syria. She did not report the incident to police at the time.
- Nada: A 27-year-old Syrian refugee, Nada alleges Mr. Karagoz offered her aid only if she accompanied him to an empty flat. She claims she initially refused and left but later returned due to her family's urgent need for support. On one occasion, Nada states Mr. Karagoz took her behind a curtain for nappies and "tried to touch [her] breasts." Another time, she alleges he "came from behind and grabbed [her] hand... he forced [her] to touch his genitals." Nada states she did not disclose these incidents due to fear of stigma.
- Batoul: A single mother who has since relocated to Germany, Batoul alleges that while collecting aid, Mr. Karagoz placed his hands on her backside. She states she left the aid and departed the premises.
In addition to these three testimonies, seven other individuals, including two former employees of the charity, claim they either witnessed or heard firsthand accounts of Mr. Karagoz committing acts of sexual abuse between 2016 and 2024.
Mr. Karagoz's Response
Mr. Karagoz denies all allegations. He claims the aid distribution area in his charity is small, crowded, and monitored by CCTV, precluding any possibility of being alone with a woman. He also states that health conditions prevent him from engaging in sexual activity.
Legal Proceedings
Mr. Karagoz had faced previous accusations of sexual harassment and assault in 2019 and 2020 (the article states 2025, which may be a typo). In both instances, prosecutors concluded there was insufficient evidence for prosecution as neither victims nor witnesses were willing to come forward with formal complaints. Some women cited fear of harassment or deportation as reasons for their reluctance.
Following the BBC investigation, two additional women reported Mr. Karagoz to authorities. Their testimony led to Mr. Karagoz being charged with sexual abuse and subsequently arrested. He is currently incarcerated awaiting trial.